NewsLocal News

Actions

Bat-wielding man shot by sheriff's deputy

Posted at 5:24 AM, Dec 21, 2018
and last updated 2018-12-21 14:11:03-05

FALLBROOK, Calif. (KGTV) - A man suspected in a series of attacks on drivers in Fallbrook was shot by an undercover sheriff’s deputy during a confrontation early Friday morning.

The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department said the deputy involved shooting happened at around 4:30 a.m. near Reche and Ranger roads, near Interstate 15.

Sheriff’s officials said an investigation was prompted after three assaults were reported in the area this week -- the first happening on the evening of Dec. 19 and two more the next night.

In each case, sheriff’s officials said the suspected attacker, believed to be a transient, would use a baseball bat to assault victims in parked cars. Officials said that “each attack was unprovoked and resulted in vehicle damage and/or injury before the victims fled to escape their attacker.”

On Friday morning, during surveillance of the area, a deputy in an unmarked vehicle was attacked by a man armed with a bat.

According to sheriff’s officials, the attacker “smashed the window of the vehicle, injuring the deputy inside when he was showered with broken glass.”

In self-defense, officials said the deputy opened fire and struck the attacker multiple times.

The suspected attacker, who was arrested on assault with a deadly weapon, was transported to the hospital and underwent surgery for his wounds. He is expected to survive.

The deputy suffered a cut to his forehead and is expected to be OK.

The incident is under investigation.